In France, there are thousands of camping sites - however, finding some of the best camping sites is not difficult. Look at reviews of known camping grounds and talk to others who have actually spent time camping around France.

Keep in mind however, the best campsites are not the commercially and often ‘well-known’ ones. Some of the smaller sites are unique and appealing. Be patient and do a lot of research and you are sure to find a camping site that fits your requirements.

One of the more popular camping grounds in France is the Romarins, ze. Found near Monaco, this camping site is located in the hills and gives you a great view of the coast from your tent. The calmness and quiet of this camping site is unmatchable, while the surrounding rosemary and olive trees just add to the charm. Do not expect modern amenities like a swimming pool.

Les Ormes, St. Etienne de Villeral is also another great camping site in France. This one is far more modern and comes complete with rattan lounging seats and a designer pool as well. Fashioned after a famous ‘tent’ hotel - it houses many a comfortable spring bed. The campground looks exactly like one right out of a picture book, and comes complete with vineyards. The wine here is sauvignon and semillon grapes at Chteau Monbazillac.

For something by the sea, the place to choose is Les Criques de Porteils in Argels-sur-Mer and then if you feel the need to be surrounded by an agricultural ambience, then choose Domaine le Poteau in Castlenau d’Auzan.

If you are visiting Italy and are getting tired of seeing nothing but world-class art in the Rome museums, there are other, more esoteric options available for you. In fact, Europe has some of the quirkiest and sometimes just plain bizarre museums in the world.

Hungry vacationers should make the National Pasta Museum part of their Rome sightseeings. Exhibits cover the history, production, nutritional values and consumption of Italy’s dietary staple. If you can’t work up an appetite while visiting this place, you might not ever eat again.

One of the quirkiest London excursions is the Royal London Hospital Museum. Located on the hospital grounds in the crypt of the Anglican Church, this museum reviews the past history and famous cases of London’s most well-known hospital. A significant display highlights the most famous patient in the hospital’s history: John Merrick, otherwise known as “The Elephant Man.”

Even if you can’t plan your Sicily vacation so that it coincides with the famous Agrigento almond festival in mid-February, now is still a good time to visit the island. Before Easter, Sicily is at its best, with clear spring light and reasonable temperatures. When the weather’s mild, take in Castello Normanno, built in 1072 by Count Roger I, and bask in the views of Mt. Etna and the coastlines. Or make a trip to the Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples) and discover why Agrigento has been called one of the most beautiful cities built by men. Go now, before the big crowds trickle in for the summer. The Sicily Region’s official website (in Italian) is http://www.regione.sicilia.it/.

What Provence vacation would be complete without a visit to stunning Nice? This winter, in addition to strolling along the Promenade des Anglais and into the Place Masséna, stop by the Nice Carnival February 13-March 1. This centuries-old festival is awash in dazzling colors, street theatre, flower parades, music, dance and folly. Nice’s mild, sunny winters, lush Mediterranean landscape, and distinctive light make this city the perfect backdrop for the carnival. This year’s theme is concealment: costumes, masks, and the art of deception. Don’t miss the spectacle—or the chance to don a disguise and create a little mischief! The details can be found at the Nice Carnival official website.

It used to be that planning a vacation was a long and arduous process, especially for those who were interested in visiting a foreign country for the first time. There was airfare to price, accommodations to locate, and tours or other activities to plan. If you were lucky, perhaps you could find a good travel agent who would be able to make all of the arrangements for you. However, dealing with such a professional didn’t always mean getting the best price possible or even that your vacation plans would turn out precisely the way you wanted.

Luckily, the Internet has made finding all inclusive vacations far simpler in the modern era of travel. It’s a snap to compare prices on different websites without even leaving the comfort of your own home or office. Not sure which travel agents to trust or what all inclusive resorts meet the needs of you and your family? Look for reviews from other vacationers who have experienced them.

« Older Posts — Newer Posts »